An Iceland ring road itinerary for 14 days

The major highlights

You’ll want to spend at least a week of your 14 day ring road itinerary close to the route itself, as many of its top attractions are surprisingly close to the main road. We’ve divided up the circle into four main areas to help make it easier for you to plan your stops. 

South

This stretch of the ring road is packed with places you’ll want to stop so we’d recommend you allow at least a couple of days to get as far as Höfn to do it justice. Most travelers won’t want to drive past Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two remarkable waterfalls that are about half an hour apart. The Vik area makes a good base for an overnight stop as there is plenty to see in the area as well as a choice of eateries and places to stay. You should definitely check out Reynisfjara, the area’s most infamous black sand beach, and it’s also worth looking into tours up onto Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Further east, the iceberg-strewn Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are essential stops, as is Vestrahorn, where there’s a world-class view over the grassy sand dunes to this iconic mountain. 

East

As the ring road turns north, the landscape changes. The ring road hugs the shoreline for a while, but if you have the time, it’s a rewarding experience to follow other roads along the fjords, such as the 93 to Seyðisfjörður and the 94 to Borgarfjörður Eystri. Close to the ring road, you might stretch your legs following the Fossárdalur and Múlafoss Hiking Trail, or stroll along the beach at Fauskasandur or Hríseyjarsandur. Travelling north, the ring road climbs through the mountains to reach the mud pools and steaming fumaroles of the Hverir geothermal area as well as the Krafla area for the Viti crater and Leirhnjúkur lava field. Soon afterwards, you’ll see Mývatn, where a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths is almost obligatory. 

North

The ring road cuts across North Iceland, with plenty more to see if you choose to detour along the many scenic peninsulas. Close to the road, you’ll see the phenomenal waterfall Goðafoss, which is an extraordinarily beautiful place in both summer and winter. It’s a short hop from there to the charming town of Akureyri, a sizeable fjordside town that has plenty of amenities. Admire its old town, wander through the delightful botanical garden, take a boat trip from its harbor, and book a soak at the gorgeous Forest Lagoon on the edge of town. Heading west, the road soon reaches Varmahlíð, where you’ll find opportunities for river rafting and horse riding nearby as well as Glaumbær farm with its historic turf houses. 

West

The final section of the ring road traverses West Iceland. Before you turn south, check out Bergárfoss and Kolugljúfur Canyon, both relatively overlooked. It’s also fun to visit the Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi to learn about the creatures that visit the country’s shores. Further south, turn inland to visit the waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar, both worth the detour from the main road. However, as this stretch of the ring road is relatively short, many road trippers dip into the fabulous Snæfellsnes Peninsula before returning to the capital region.

Suggested detours

With 14 days to fill, you’ll have the luxury of being able to take several detours off the main ring road loop. Here, we’ll cover a handful of those that are less likely to be tackled as a day trip from Reykjavik; see our 3 day itinerary for details of what to see in Reykjanes, on the Golden Circle and as you loop the Snæfellsnes peninsula. 

The Westman Islands

Allow yourself two days to explore Heimaey in the Westman Islands. It’s easy to take your rental car on the ferry for the short 30-minute crossing from Landeyjahöfn on the mainland. The ferry delivers you right to the heart of Heimaey’s charming harbor, where you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, eateries and tour operators. Book a boat trip to see a little more of this striking archipelago. Wildlife sightings are common, whether that’s seabirds or whales. Back on dry land, in summer, you might drive up to the far side of the island to watch puffins at close quarters from the cliff top bird hide or park up for a hike to the summit of Eldfell.

Arctic Henge

Arctic Henge is one of the quirkiest sights you might tick off on a detour from the ring road. Located in the far northeast of Iceland, it’s modeled on Stonehenge and like its Neolithic predecessor Arctic Henge functions as a giant sundial. Four stone gates each standing six metres high, form the main circle; they surround a ten-meter-high central column. Artist Haukur Halldórsson envisaged a concept centered on the dwarves in Norse mythology that represent the four seasons. It’s still a work in progress, but there’s enough here to warrant taking a look. This remote spot is especially impressive on a dark night if the Northern Lights dance overhead.

The Diamond Circle

The Diamond Circle is a scenic driving route that comprises some of the most impressive landmarks in the north of Iceland. Easily accessible from the ring road, you can either base yourself in Akureyri for a couple of nights or tackle it in sections, or stay somewhere on the circle, such as in charming Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Either way, it’s worth more than a day out of your schedule. As well as Húsavík, there are two splendid waterfalls to check out. Dettifoss and Goðafoss are both sizeable falls in jaw-dropping settings. Another must-see on the route is the tree-filled Ásbyrgi Canyon. According to Icelandic folklore, its horseshoe-shaped footprint was the work of Odin’s horse. 

Siglufjörður and the Tröllaskagi peninsula

The Tröllaskagi peninsula is one of the most delightful detours you can take off the ring road and warrants at least an overnight stay in the pretty town at its tip. Siglufjörður’s streets were once noisy with activity as boats unloaded their herring catch for processing in the warehouses opposite the wharf. Then, mysteriously, the herring disappeared and the workers moved away. Today, it’s a sleepy town but one with tons of character, not least because the old warehouses now house a fascinating social history museum. In winter, the Tröllaskagi peninsula is one of the best places to come for skiing, with untouched powder and breathtaking views of Miklavatn Lake and the fjords beyond.  

General advice for would-be ring-roaders

Which season?

The ring road is accessible throughout the year so in theory, this is a road trip that you complete whenever you’d like to come. There are some seasonal variations to bear in mind, however. In summer, the road and major sights tend to be at their busiest; meanwhile, in winter, you’ll need to contend with significantly shorter hours of daylight and, sometimes, temporary road closures caused by inclement weather.

Which way?

Whether you choose to loop Iceland clockwise or counter-clockwise is up to you. There’s a high concentration of sights on the South Iceland stretch, so some argue that you’d want to drive that first while you’re fresh. The opposite view holds that as the road north is quieter – with fewer day trippers – you can ease into your road trip more gently. 

Which car?

Route 1 is well-maintained in its entirety and suitable for all vehicles. Depending on the detours you plan to make, you might choose to upgrade to a 4x4, which will give you more traction on uneven or gravel surfaces. As you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in the vehicle, it’s also advisable to choose a car that’s roomy enough to take passengers and their luggage comfortably.  

We’re on hand to advise you if you’re not sure which vehicle is right for you, so feel free to get in touch as you set to work on making your Iceland ring road trip a reality.

14 day Ring Road Trip FAQ

Is 14 days too long for Iceland?

Not at all! With 14 days, you can explore the Ring Road at a relaxed pace, add detours to hidden gems, and truly soak in Iceland’s beauty.

How many days do you need to do the Iceland Ring Road?

You can technically drive the Ring Road in 7 days, but 10-14 days allows you to enjoy the journey and explore more deeply.

How many days are needed for an Iceland road trip?

For a full Ring Road experience, 10-14 days is ideal. Shorter trips (3-7 days) work well for exploring specific regions like the South Coast or Golden Circle.

How many days in Reykjavík is enough?

2-3 days in Reykjavík is usually plenty to see the highlights, enjoy the food, and soak in the city’s culture. Save extra days for exploring Iceland’s stunning countryside!

What are the must-see stops on Iceland’s Ring Road?

Don’t miss highlights like Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Goðafoss, Akureyri, and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Each section has incredible gems to explore!

Should I drive the Ring Road clockwise or counterclockwise?

Either works! Clockwise lets you tackle the busy South Coast first, while counterclockwise eases you in with quieter northern stretches.